Gov. Gregoire�s statement on federal funding to restore Puget Sound

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement today on the federal funding received for the Puget Sound Partnership�s Action Agenda to assist with clean up and restoration efforts of Puget Sound:

�I am very pleased that the Puget Sound Partnership Action Agenda will receive $50 million next year from the federal government for the cleanup and restoration of Puget Sound. That�s more than a 100 percent increase over the current year�s budget.

�This funding will accelerate our cleanup efforts to assure a healthy Puget Sound. Healthy waters ensure both a thriving economy and a clean and healthy Puget Sound ecosystem. In addition to this funding, Washington has previously received more than $70 million in federal stimulus funds for Puget Sound Action Agenda projects. This funding gives us a triple win by creating jobs, improving the environment and spurring economic development on our waterfronts.

�I am very proud of the work done by the Puget Sound Partnership. Along with our partners, we have successfully put Puget Sound on par with the Chesapeake Bay, Everglades and other great water bodies in the nation. And I thank our congressional delegation for making Puget Sound a national priority, especially Senator Patty Murray and Representative Norm Dicks who have been long time champions of Puget Sound cleanup.�